Baku's development has historically been closely linked to water supply.
Oxu.Az reports that Amin Mammadov, deputy chairman of the Public Council under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, said this at a session held within the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.
He noted that the discovery of oil reserves in Baku in the mid-19th century led to rapid growth. However, providing drinking water to the growing population soon became a major challenge.
According to Mammadov, as early as 1917, local millionaires laid a pipeline to bring water to Baku from 170 kilometers away. Additional water sources were created during the Soviet era, but they did not fully meet the increasing demand.
In the early 2000s, a new water source was identified 160 kilometers from the city to meet Baku's water needs, and a new main pipeline was laid to the capital.
"Upgrading the water supply and sewage system has required billions of dollars in investment. However, much work still remains in this area," he emphasized.
Mammadov added that as Baku continues to develop, sustained investments are essential to ensure future generations have access to clean water and sanitation services.
In his view, water-centric urban planning requires collaboration not only among architects and urban planners but also engineers and international experts.
